DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Federal officials say the August derecho was a $1 billion disaster. This year has already tied 2011 and 2017 for the most $1 billion disasters in one year. This is also the sixth year in a row there has been at least ten $1 billion disasters.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – An Iowa woman convicted of a 1993 stabbing death when she was a teenager has been granted work release. Ruthann Veal, 42, was a 14-year-old runaway from Mason City when she was charged as an adult in the 1993 killing of 66-year-old Catherine Haynes, of Waterloo. Haynes had been stabbed to death in her home and her credit cards stolen.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Reynolds announced Wednesday some of the restrictions for visiting family members in long-term care facilities will be lifted. The facilities have had tight restrictions on visiting loved ones since the pandemic began. Visitors will have to schedule their appointments in advance, go through a health screen, and wear a mask.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – Tuesday was the last day for any flights in or out of the Dubuque Regional Airport at least until early November. Passenger demand is down 65 to 70% because of the pandemic. Officials say the delay of a Congressional stimulus package for businesses will hurt airlines beyond this month.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Microsoft plans to build two additional data centers in West Des Moines. Each data center could bring between 50 to 75 jobs to the area. Once built, Microsoft will have five data centers in West Des Moines.